Zoning War Heats Up as Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu Camp Trade Blows Ahead of 2027 Race
A fresh political clash has erupted between Atiku Abubakar and the presidency, as an aide to Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly criticised the former vice president over his comments on zoning ahead of the 2027 election.
According to reports, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Atiku of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s informal North-South power rotation arrangement.
Onanuga, reacting to Atiku’s recent interview, insisted that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031, arguing that Tinubu must complete two terms in office just as former President Muhammadu Buhari did.
He did not hold back in his criticism, stating that Atiku was pushing a “self-serving argument” and had failed to learn from past political missteps. He also referenced the 2023 election, claiming Atiku ignored zoning expectations within his party, a move he said contributed to internal divisions and his eventual def£at.
“This Atiku will never learn,” Onanuga said, arguing that the former vice president was once again trying to disrupt the balance of power between the North and South.
The presidential aide further dismissed Atiku’s claims that zoning is not a binding national agreement, maintaining that the arrangement remains crucial for political stability in Nigeria. He also rejected Atiku’s analysis of power distribution since 1999, describing it as “dub!ous.”
Atiku, on his part, had argued that zoning is not constitutionally binding and pointed out that the South has held power longer than the North since Nigeria’s return to democracy. However, he still expressed support for the principle of rotation and indicated openness to a consensus candidate for 2027.
The exchange highlights growing political tension as discussions around the 2027 presidential election and zoning intensify across party lines.
